With the gradual decline of the sun into the far distant horizon, a general sense of relief was felt among the survivors of the mining collapse. Many of the more critical patients had almost fully recovered and were able assist the Farima with securing the mining pit, preventing anyone from attempting to access the site during the chaos. The smoke only seemed to grow more dense as it continuously bellowed from the depths of the uncovered cavern. Those posted in close proximity to the exposed shaft were regularly rotated, as paranoia only seemed to grow with any prolonged exposure to the smoke. The aromatic herbs, requisitioned from the local mosque, brought some measure of relief to those returning from duty, albeit a temporary one.

With-in the overseer's tent, Bello had assembled all those who had shown promise in order resolve this ordeal. The smell of burning frankincense filled the air, shielding those with-in from the ever-constant effects of the smoke. Spread around the room on various chairs, gathered from the nearby homes sat: the foreign doctor and her translator, the lead physician Taiwo, Imam Abubakar and his advisers, the overseer Bukola and the Farai Segun. Each remained content to speak with-in their own circles until the meeting began in earnest.

“Thanks in no small part to the efforts of those gathered here, the initial crisis has been averted.” Announced Bello, raising his hand as to indicate specific members of high contribution. “Once this has been completely resolved, you will all be rewarded according to your contribution.” The gathered experts, having exhausted themselves working to stabilize the injured, accepted the thanks through exhaustive gestures.

“As she was the one who found the cure, I asked the foreigner Victoria to investigate the mines as she has shown to the most experienced in the subject.” As Bello ceded the meeting to the vulture-esque woman, there were various mumbling from both Taiwo and the Imam that amounted to begrudging acknowledgement. “While she was not able to examine the full depths of the exposed hole in any detail, due to the heavy smoke and dangerous terrain,” began the translator standing beside her master. “Victoria was able to identify the source of the smoke. The resilient rock the miners broke through was not comprised of stone, rather it was an ancient bone of unknown size.*” The revelation sent astonished exasperation throughout the room.

“The bone in question is most likely the skull of an ancient being of considerable strength.” Abubakar, having accepted that transgressions against his doctrinal teachings were necessary in the face of a greater threat, sat forward on his chair with greater intrigue with the revelation. “Do you know what the skull belonged to?” The translator could only offer a negative response. “She is unfamiliar with the region and is unable to provide any specific details. Aside from its general affinity for chaotic energies and, by extrapolation, that it likely wields the power comparable to that of a Malaikah**.” “Farima Bello,” interjected one of secondary Imams “how can you accept the words of this woman as truth?” This outburst was echoed by the fellow assistants, ignoring many of her contributions in favor of their doctrine.

Before the Farima could bring is authority down to return focus to the task at hand, a divine light shone from the general direction of the avian-faced woman. It was clearly supernatural in origin; however the light's warm embrace was far removed from the pungent odor that usually clung to the spiritualists that served the remote villages. This sensation must be a mere fraction of what Muhammed's followers must have felt within his presence. A quick glance towards the Imams confirmed its authenticity, as they offered muted Du'as to the mark of Malaikah.***

“That should address any concerns you may have” calmly stated the translator, wishing to move the conversation away from religious proclamations. “Continuing with the primary issue, we would need more information about the dead being before we are able to find a solution.” Bello found himself approving of the foreign woman, quickly removing any petty disagreements as to focus on the goal. “Imam Abubakar, gather your colleagues and devise a protected space near the ancient bones. We will use that as an observation point so that we can investigate the ancient skull with some measure of security. Take Segun with you, he will requisition anything you need.”

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With the departure of the religious representatives, the less pressing issues could be handled before all their attention was directed to the dead god in the earth. “Taiwo, how are the injured?” “Most are now stable and recovering well. We have relieved many from service, those remaining are treating injuries from the fall and monitoring the recovery. The Imam's prayers are working well to dispel the effects of the smoke; however, they are unable to heal any of their more immediate injuries.” Bello, accepting the response, chose to let the issue stand without action, as no further action was warranted. “Carry on with the monitoring, report directly to me if there are any changes in their condition. Take Bukola with you and record the contributions of each one, they will be rewarded in turn.”

Now left with only the foreigner and her translator, Bello braced himself for the likely painful relay of words. “As the representative of the Mansa, thank you for answering our call for aid. You were not under any obligation to provide assistance and you have done far more than was expected. You shall be greatly rewarded for what you have done, but I wish to continue employ your services once again to subdue this dead god once more.” He watched as the translator Kahina conveyed his thanks, only to experience a subdued debate between the two.

“My mistress accepts your gratitude and is willing to be of aid, however there are certain things which you will need to keep in mind.” As she finished her reply, likely giving a subtle cue out of his sight line, two pale skinned women emerged from the strange doctor's shadows. The sudden materialization caught the Farima off guard, however short that period was. “What in the...” The women simply moved behind their master, allowing the translator to continue.

“My mistress is an Adze with... a unique... personality which allows her to gain favour with various parties, such as the angel who awarded her with their blessing. In spite of her general neutrality and benevolent actions, her identity may bring certain challenges when working to bring an end to this incident.” Began the translator, maintaining her composure during the supernatural display. “As long as she is fairly compensated, she will assist in resolving this incident, preferably while concealing her inhumanity.” This revelation answered several questions as to how she had so quickly identified the natures of the smoke, but raised far more than was expected of him. Whatever she was, the foreign creature's wisdom was vital in sealing whatever evil had been unleashed from the mine. “I assume that 'fair compensation' means earthly goods and not more abstract forms of payment.” “You are correct. She is currently acting as a consultant to the foreign priests you saw previously, so material compensation and connections with certain individuals would be preferable.” It was trivial and minor to set up consultations with various administrators within the region, given the contribution it all seemed small. “Very well. My men will assist you with your team's research as part of the payment.”

With his newly found asset in the adze, Bello was confident that they could reach a swift end to the incident. Neither he or his men had any expertise with the supernatural and the local experts had been shown to be out of their respective depth in regards to the subject matter. “How do you plan to handle the dead god?” Instead of the more certain pacing of her previous words, the conversation between the two women took on a more speculative tone than previous discussions. “My mistress cannot give a definitive answer, given the information currently available. To gain a better understanding: she plans on sending her familiars down into the mines to determine the nature and form of the deity. From there we will consult the clergy as to how to handle it.”

“Is there anything else you require? I can send runners to the market to get live animals or other resources for offerings.” The brief exchange confirmed that it wasn't necessary. Seemingly the Adze practiced a different form of sorcery than that of the local witch doctors living the surrounding towns, although he could not fully comprehend the differences aside from the lack of sacrificial rituals. “Is there any other information we need in order to support your expedition?” “Only that my mistress will be unable to remain in the newly created purification zone for any extended period of time. The strong holy energies disagree with her constitution, weakening her abilities.” Farima nodded, “We can work around that, I will meet you down near the skull after giving orders to my men.”

He watched as the pair, now devoid of familiars, wander back to their tent underneath the twilight sky. To Bello, the nearing resolution to incident was further proof of his loyal service to the Mansa. It would be a long night, in addition to the long day. So far, he was thankful that the effects of the cursed smoke only affected the immediate area and did not spread into the local town. One could easily imagine the chaotic effects the paranoia inducing visions would produce in the crowded streets if left unchecked.